Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide
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Transcript of Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide
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7/31/2019 Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide
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PENNSYLVANIAEMERGENCYPREPAREDNESS
GUIDEPlan ahead. Be prepared.
www.ReadyPA.org
1-888-973-2397
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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3
TOP 10 EMERGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3-5
Floods Fires Winter Storms Tropical Storms, Tornadoes and Thunderstorms
Influenza (Flu) Pandemic Hazardous Material Incidents Earthquakes and
Landslides Nuclear Threat Dam Failures Terrorism
BE PREPARED MAKE A PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
How to Make a Family Emergency Plan
HOME EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7-9
Additional Special Items
BE PREPARED IN YOUR VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 10
How to Prepare
VEHICLE EMERGENCY CHECKLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 11
BE PREPARED AT WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 11
How to Prepare
WORK EMERGENCY CHECKLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11
PLANNING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12-17
Planning For Older Pennsylvanians and People with Special Medical Needs
Planning For People with Disabilities Planning For People who are Deaf or
Hard of Hearing Planning For People with Intellectual Disabilities
Planning For People who are Blind or Have Visual Disabilities Planning for Children
People who can Help Planning For Pets, Service Animals and Livestock
AFTER AN EMERGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CONTACT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19-20
Emergency Management Agency/Department of Health Contact List
EMERGENCY PLAN FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21-23
Emergency Contact Form Allergy and Doctor Form Persons with Disabilities
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Why Prepare Now For Emergencies?
Emergency workers will help after a disaster strikes, but they may not be able to reach everyone right
away. Thats why its so important to be ready to survive on your own for at least three days during an
emergency. This may mean having another place to stay, extra food, water, first-aid and other basic
needs. We cant control natural disasters, emergencies, or terrorist attacks, but we can be ready for them
and know what to do to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. This guide will help you become better
prepared by learning about:
Different kinds of emergencies
How to create emergency plans and kits for your home, your vehicle and your workplace
How to plan ahead if you have a special need
Top 10 Possible Emergencies
#1 FLOODS
Flooding is the most common
natural disaster in Pennsylvania
and can happen in different
ways. Some floods start slowly
during a long period of rain, or
if warm air follows heavy snow fall. Others, likeflash floods, can happen very quickly. Even
small streams and dry creek beds can overflow
to create flooding.
No matter where you live, you should always
be ready for a flood emergency. Learn how to
prepare for floods and what to do if a flash flood
happens, whether youre at home, in your car or
at work, at www.readypa.org.
#2 FIRES
Fires can spread quickly, so they
can become life threatening in two
minutes and destroy a home in as
little as five minutes. As the fire
burns, poisonous gases are sent
into the air that can make you feel drowsy andless in control of your thinking and movements.
The top reason people die in fires is from smoke
inhalation (breathing in smoke), not burns.
Learn how you can help prepare for and prevent
a fire emergency at www.readypa.org.
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#3 WINTER STORMS
The National Weather Service
refers to winter storms as the
deceptive killers because
most deaths arent a direct
result of the storms. Peopleare injured or killed in traffic accidents on icy
roads or suffer from hypothermia (low body
temperature) due to being cold for a long
period of time. Another major danger with
winter storms is that they can knock out power.
Learn how to prepare for winter weather before
it hits, visit www.readypa.org.
#4 TROPICAL STORMS, TORNADOESAND THUNDERSTORMS
Tropical storms, tornadoes and
thunderstorms can cause a lot
of damage and very dangerous
weather emergencies. Tropical
storms bring high winds and sometimes
serious flooding. Violent tornadoes can happen
suddenly and without warning sometimes
you cant see them until a funnel cloud shows
up. Thunderstorms bring dangerous lightning,
one of the main causes of weather-related
deaths in the United States each year.
Learn how to prepare yourself and your
family for the dangers you face from
tropical storms, tornadoes and thunderstorms
at www.readypa.org.
#5 INFLUENZA (FLU) PANDEMIC
Like the seasonal flu many
people get every year,
pandemic flu spreads by sick
people coughing or sneezing
and touching surfaces like
doorknobs, elevator buttons, etc. Unlike
seasonal flu, people will have little or no
protection against the new flu virus which
causes a pandemic, and many more people
will get sick. When flu pandemics happen,
they will likely go on for a while and cover a
lot of area, causing changes in many parts of
our everyday lives, including schools, work,transportation and other public services.
During a flu pandemic, healthy people may
have a higher risk for serious illness or
complications.
Learn what you should do to prepare for a Flu
Pandemic at www.readypa.org and help keep
you and your loved ones safe and healthy.
#6 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENTSHazardous materials are
substances (like chemicals,
liquids or gases) that if
released or misused can pose
a threat to the environment
or peoples health. Because hazardous
materials are moved along our roadways,
railways, waterways and pipelines every day,
a hazardous material incident can happen
anywhere and you need to be prepared in
case an incident happens near you.
Learn how to prepare and what to do
during a Hazardous Materials Incident at
www.readypa.org.
#7 EARTHQUAKES AND LANDSLIDES
Earthquakes and landslides
are destructive natural
disasters. An earthquake is
the sudden, fast shaking of the
earth caused by the breaking
and shifting of rock deep underground.
If an earthquake happens in an area with a
lot of people, it can cause many deaths and
injuries. Although most people usually think
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of our countrys west coast when they think
of earthquakes, there are actually 45 states
and territories throughout the United States
(including Pennsylvania) that are at risk.
Landslides happen in all 50 states. During
a landslide, large amounts of rock, earthor other items move down a slope (hillside,
mountain, etc.). They can be started by storms,
earthquakes, fires and man-made construction.
Landslides can move quickly, striking with little
or no warning at very fast speeds. They also
can move several miles from where they start,
growing in size as they pick up trees, boulders,
cars and other materials.
Because of how fast and suddenly earthquakes
and landslides happen, it is important for youand your family to be prepared ahead of time.
Find out how at www.readypa.org.
#8 NUCLEAR THREAT
Nuclear power plants use
nuclear heat to turn water into
steam, which makes electricity.
Although the federal Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC)
closely watches these plants, accidents are
possible. An accident could mean dangerous
levels of radiation, which could affect the health
and safety of the people living near the nuclear
power plant. Although the risk of an accident
isnt high, knowing how to act during a nuclear
emergency can reduce your risk of injury.
Residents living within 10 miles of a nuclear
power plant should be aware of the evacuation
routes set up for their area and have an
emergency plan in place.
Learn how to prepare for a nuclear facility
incident at www.readypa.org.
#9 DAM FAILURES
When a dam fails, huge amounts
of water go downstream with
great force. Dam failures can
happen with little warning,
sometimes within hours of thefirst signs of failure. There are nearly 80,000
dams in the United States, and about one-third
of these create a high or significant hazard
to your life and property if theres failure. But if
you are prepared for what to do during a dam
failure, you can greatly lower the risk to you and
your family.
Learn how to prepare for a Dam Failure at
www.readypa.org.
#10 TERRORISM
Terrorism is defined as the use
of violence and intimidation
to achieve a goal. Terrorists
typically plan their attacks in
a way that gets the greatest
publicity (news coverage) for their causes
and creates massive fear among the public.
Acts of terrorism include threats of terrorism;
assassination (killing) of important people;
kidnappings; hijackings (taking over a vehicle);
bomb scares and bombings; cyber attacks
(computer-based); and the use of chemical,
biological, nuclear and radiological weapons.
Terrorism is a criminal act that is planned in
advance. To stop this, we all need to be aware
and take steps to prepare in advance.
Learn how at www.readypa.org.
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Be Prepared At Home
If an emergency happens, its important to have a plan of action for you and your family. Creating
an emergency contact list, making a plan for your family and having an emergency kit on hand are
the most important things you can do to be prepared.
HOW TO MAKE A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN
Your family may not be together when an emergency happens, so it is important to know how you willcontact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
Below are tips to help you make an emergency plan for your family. Remember, your emergency plan
should be looked at and updated several times a year.
1. Meet with family members and talk about the dangers of different emergencies, including things
like floods, severe weather, nuclear accidents and flu pandemics.
2. Discuss how you and your family will respond to each possible emergency.
3. If your family is not together when an emergency happens, discuss ahead of time who will pick
up the children or others who depend on you as well as where you will meet if an evacuation
is ordered. You should plan to meet as far away from the danger area as possible.
4. Discuss what to do in case the power is out or someone is hurt.
5. Draw a floor plan (map) of your home. List escape routes from each room.
6. Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches in your home. If for any
reason you turn off natural gas service to your home, call your gas company to have it turned
back on when the emergency is over. Do not try to restore service yourself.
7. Put emergency contact numbers near all telephones. Pre-program emergency numbers into
phones with auto-dial features.
8. Teach children how and when to dial 9-1-1 to get help during an emergency.
9. Teach children how to make a telephone call to a trusted friend or relative if they are not with
you during an emergency. Because it is often easier to call long-distance numbers during anemergency than local numbers, one of your emergency contacts should be from outside
your area.
10. Tell family members to turn on the radio, the weather radio or television for emergency
information.
11. Pick two meeting places a place near your home and a place outside your neighborhood
in case you cannot return home after an emergency.
12. Take a basic first aid and CPR class. Contact the American Red Cross for more information
at: www.redcross.org or call: 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) training is also available through the Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Agency (PEMA) at 717-651-2141.
13. Keep important family documents and recent photos (including photos of pets) in a waterproof
and fireproof safe. Inexpensive safes can be bought at most hardware stores. Every year,
photocopy the front and back of the cards in your wallet and place a copy in your safe and
in your emergency kit.
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Home Emergency Kit Checklist
Your home emergency kit should have food, bottled water and supplies to live on for at least three days
or longer. Keep your emergency kit in the same place in your home and in an easy-to-carry container in
case you need to leave quickly. Make sure that all family members know where the emergency kit
is kept.
Below is a checklist of items that you should include in your emergency kit. As you start your kit, includeitems that best suit your familys unique needs.
Bottled water every person in your family needs at least one gallon each day for drinking
and bathing for at least three days
At least a three-day supply of foods that wont spoil
Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Sterile adhesive bandages
(different sizes)
Gauze pads
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Antibacterial wet wipes
Antiseptic spray/antibiotic ointment
Rubbing alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Latex gloves
Scissors
Tweezers
Safety pins (different sizes) Cold pack
Non-breakable thermometer
Wooden tongue depressors
Cotton-tipped applicator sticks
Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Eye wash
Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
Antacid
Laxative
Anti-diarrhea medication
Emetic (to induce vomiting)
Smelling salts
Snake bite kit
Sturdy shoes or work boots
Heavy socks (at least two pairs)
Hats and gloves
Extra clothing and blankets
Rain gear
Cash because ATMs may not
work during an emergency
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Case/nylon bag/fanny pack
Mess kits or paper cups, plates, plastic utensils
Non-electric can opener
Propane cooking stove
Pot and pan for cooking
Aluminum foil
Multi-purpose tool/utility knife Small fire extinguisher
Paper and pencil/pen
Tent
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place (to be used when directed)
Pliers/wrenches
Pry bar
Compass
Light sticks
Signal flare
Whistle Needles and thread
Scissors
Matches in a water-proof container or bag
Plastic storage containers or plastic storage bags
Medicine dropper
Dust mask (for dust/debris)
Hard hat
Work gloves
Battery-powered fan
Tools and supplies
Extra keys for car and house
Nylon cord
Portable generator, if possible
Spray paint
Toilet paper/facial tissues/paper towels
Wet wipes
Personal hygiene items toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
Feminine supplies
Plastic garbage bags and ties
Disinfectant
Soap
Towels/washcloths
Household chlorine bleach
Small shovel
Plastic bucket with tight lid (indoor toilet)
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ADDITIONAL SPECIAL ITEMS
For Children:
Baby formula/food for at least
three days
Diapers for at least three days
Bottles for at least three days
Powdered milk for at least three days
Medications for at least one week
Games/activities
Special toy(s) for comfort
Wet wipes
Extra sets of clothing (check sizes
every three months)
Anti-rash ointment
Emergency contact information in
case you are separated from loved
ones during an emergency
Blankets
For Adults:
One-week minimum supply of any
prescription drugs (heart, high blood
pressure, insulin, etc.)
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eyeglasses
Playing cards and books
Lip balm and sunscreen
For People with Special Needs and
Older Pennsylvanians:
One-week minimum supply of
prescription medications and
dosage information (including
inhalers, insulin, etc.)
Medical equipment and information
on how its used
Extra eyeglasses, contacts and
hearing aids
Extra batteries for medical equipment
(hearing aids, wheelchairs, portable
oxygen units, etc.)
For Pets/Service Animals:
At least three days worth of pet food,
bottled water and supplies for your
service animal or pet
Medications and medical records
Pet first aid kit
Extra leash and collar with ID tags
Dishes/bowls
Cat litter/pan
Copies of licenses
Name and phone number
of veterinarian
Microchip or tattoo number
Toys
Treats
Bedding
Paper towels and clean-up bags
Important Documents Folder in
Water-Proof Container:
Recent family photos including photos of
pets
Copies of Medicare/Medicaid and health
insurance cards
Copies of birth certificates
Copies of drivers licenses
Copies of homeowner and car insurance
policies
Bank account numbers
Cash
Local and state maps
Pre-paid phone cards
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Be Prepared in Your Vehicle
To be able to act quickly in any disaster, your emergency planning should cover every possibility.
Many times, an emergency may happen while youre driving, or you may need to evacuate (leave)
at a moments notice. If this happens, its important to have an emergency plan for your vehicle.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY IN YOUR VEHICLE
1. Keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should have food, water, first aid suppliesand other supplies. Find a complete checklist of emergency supply items for your vehicle below.
2. Have your emergency plan ready for communicating and getting back together with your family
if you are separated during a disaster.
3. Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation seems possible or likely. Gas stations may
be closed in emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car
per family to reduce traffic and delays on the roads.
4. If you are evacuating in your vehicle:
Leave early enough so that you are not trapped by severe weather or poor air quality.
Follow recommended evacuation routes (avoid shortcuts as they may be blocked).
Watch out for downed power lines and washed-out roads and bridges.
Never drive into flooded areas.
Vehicle Emergency Kit Checklist
Flashlight and batteries
Battery-operated radio
Jumper cables
Extra cell phone batteries and charger
Snow shovel
Matches and candles
First aid supplies
Blanket, extra warm clothing, gloves and boots
Ice scraper
Sand
Bottled water and foods that wont spoil
Anything else you may need for others in the vehicle
(special medication, baby supplies, pet food, etc.)
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Be Prepared at Work
Emergencies can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere. If a disaster should happen while youre at work,
you need to have a plan.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY AT THE WORKPLACE
1. Know your workplace emergency plan and alert system.
2. Participate in fire drills and dont ignore fire alarms.
3. Make sure you know how to get to stair exits.
4. Know who your office fire marshals are.
5. Keep an emergency supply kit (see below) at your workplace.
6. Know locations of common emergency equipment, including:
AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators)
First aid kit
7. Take first aid and CPR classes.
Work Emergency Kit Checklist
Talk to your co-workers about what emergency supplies the company can provide, if any, and
which ones you should consider keeping on hand. Recommended emergency supplies include
the following:
Bottled water Each person needs at least one gallon every day for drinking and bathing
Food at least a three-day supply of foods that wont spoil
Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust or filter masks
Wet wipes
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
(if kit contains canned food)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to
seal the room, to use when directed
Garbage bags and plastic ties
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Planning for Special Needs
Some people may need extra planning before an emergency to make sure special needs are met when
an emergency happens. This includes, but isnt limited to, young children, older Pennsylvanians and
people who have special medical needs. This section will also help you plan for the needs of your pets,
service animals and livestock.
PLANNING FOR OLDER PENNSYLVANIANS AND PEOPLE WITH SPECIALMEDICAL NEEDS
Medications
Always have at least a three-day supply or more of all of your medicines.
Store your medicines in one place in their original containers.
Have a list of all of your medicines and include the name, dose, how often you take it
and the name of the doctor prescribing it.
Medical Supplies
If you use medical supplies such as bandages, ostomy bags or syringes, have an extra
three-day supply available.Intravenous (IV) and Feeding Tube Equipment
Know if your infusion pump has battery back-up and how long it will last in an emergency.
Ask your home care provider how to infuse without electricity in case of a power outage.
Have written operating instructions attached to all equipment.
Oxygen and Breathing Equipment
If you use oxygen, have an emergency supply (for three days or more).
Oxygen tanks should be firmly braced so they do not fall over. Check with your medical supply
company regarding bracing directions.
If you use breathing equipment, have a three-day supply or more of tubing, solutions,medications, etc.
Electrically Powered Medical Equipment
For all medical equipment needing electrical power such as beds, breathing equipment
or infusion pumps, check with your medical supply company and get information regarding
a back-up power source, such as a battery or generator.
Check with your local utility company to determine that back-up equipment is properly
installed.
Emergency Go Bag
Have a bag packed at all times in the event you need to leave your home with:
A medication list.
Medical supplies for at least three days.
Copies of important medical papers such as insurance cards, Advanced Directive, Power
of Attorney, etc.
When you leave your home, be sure to take refrigerated medications and solutions.
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PLANNING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Medical Supplies
If you use a battery-operated wheelchair, life-support system or other powered equipment, call
your power company before an outage happens. Many utility companies keep a list and map
of the locations of power-dependent customers in case of an emergency. Ask them what other
options are available in your area. Contact the customer service department
of your local utility companies to learn if this service is available in your community.
If you use a motorized wheelchair or scooter, have an extra battery. A car battery also can beused with a wheelchair but will not last as long as a wheelchairs battery. If possible, store a
lightweight manual wheelchair for backup.
ASSISTING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN A DISASTER
People with disabilities often need more time than others to make necessary arrangements
during an emergency.
Because disaster warnings are often given by audible (easy to hear) methods such as sirensand radio announcements, people who are deaf or hard of hearing may not receive early
disaster warnings and emergency instructions. Be their source of emergency information
as it comes over the radio or television.
Some people with vision disabilities, especially older people, may not want to leave their
home when the evacuation notice comes from a stranger.
A service animal can become confused or disoriented in a disaster. People who are blind or
partially sighted may have to depend on others to lead them, as well as their service animal,
to safety during a disaster.
Service animals are allowed to stay in emergency shelters with owners. Check with your local
American Red Cross chapter or your emergency management officials for more information. People with mobility disabilities are often worried about being dropped when being lifted or
carried. Find out the best way to move someone in a wheelchair and what exit routes from
buildings are best.
Some people with intellectual disabilities may be unable to understand the emergency and
could become disoriented or confused about the proper way to react.
Many respiratory illnesses can be made worse by stress. In an emergency, oxygen and
respiratory equipment may not be readily available.
People with epilepsy, Parkinsons disease and other conditions often have very strict medicine
needs that cannot be interrupted without serious consequences. Some may
be unable to communicate this information in an emergency.
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PLANNING FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
Medical Supplies
Have extra batteries for hearing aids and implants and keep them in your emergency
kit supplies.
Maintain TTY batteries (consult manual).
Store extra batteries for your TTY and light phone signaler. Check the manual for proper
battery maintenance.
Store hearing aid(s) in the same location so they can quickly be found and used during
a disaster.
For example, consider keeping them in a water-proof container by your bedside,
attached to the nightstand or bedpost with string or velcro. Missing or damaged
hearing aids will be hard to replace or fix immediately after a major disaster.
Communication
Determine how you will communicate with emergency personnel if there is no interpreter or
if you do not have your hearing aid(s). Keep extra paper and pens in your emergency kit.
Consider carrying a pre-printed copy of key phrase messages with you such as I speak
American Sign Language (ASL) and need an ASL interpreter, I do not write or read English.If you make announcements, I will need to have them written or signed.
Install both audible (easy to hear) and visual smoke alarms that are battery-operated.
PLANNING FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
Before, During and After a Disaster
Practice what to do during and after a disaster. Practice leaving places where you spend time
(job, home, school, etc.) until you are sure you know what to do during and after a disaster.
Keep a written emergency plan with you and in several locations. Make sure your emergency
plan is easy to read and understand.
After a disaster, information often comes at you quickly. Think through ways to do things you
will need to do after a disaster. A small tape recorder, calendar with room for notes, to do lists,
etc., will help you remember things.
Give copies of your written emergency plan to the people in your personal support network.
Communication
Think through what a rescuer might need to know about you and be ready to say it briefly,
or keep a written copy with you that says things like:
I cannot read. I enhance my hearing with another communication device. I can
point to simple pictures or key words, which you will find in my wallet or emergency
supply kit. I may have difficulty understanding what you are telling me, please speak slowly
and use simple language.
I forget easily. Please write down information for me.
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PLANNING FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE VISUAL DISABILITIES
Medical Supplies
If you use a cane, keep extras in the same location at your job, home, school, volunteer site,
etc. to help you move around.
Keep a spare cane in your emergency kit.
If helpful, mark emergency supplies with large print, fluorescent tape or Braille.
Alternate Mobility Cues
If you have low vision, place battery-operated security lights in each room, to light your way.
These lights plug into electrical wall outlets and light up automatically if there is a loss of
power. They will, depending on type, continue to operate automatically for one to six hours
and can be turned off manually and used as a short-lasting flashlight.
Store high-powered flashlights with wide beams and extra batteries.
If you wear soft contact lenses that have to be cleaned using electricity, you should have
another way to clean them during a power outage.
Service animals may become confused, panicked, frightened or disoriented during and after
a disaster. Keep them safely confined or securely leashed or harnessed. A leash/harness is
an important item for managing a nervous or upset animal. Be prepared to use other ways tomove around until your service animal has calmed down.
Plan for possibly losing the auditory (hearing) clues you usually rely on after a major disaster.
An example would be audible street crossings, etc.
PLANNING FOR CHILDREN
Make sure your emergency kit includes enough baby formula, baby food, diapers, bottles,
toys and games to keep your children safe and comfortable after a disaster.
If children go to preschool, daycare or school, it is important for parents or guardians to know
the schools emergency plan. Review and update information on your childs emergency card
often.
Allow a trusted friend or relative that lives near you to pick up your children from school
in case you are unable to travel to the school after a disaster.
Tell trusted neighbors when your children are home alone so they can take care of them
if you are not there when a disaster happens.
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PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP
An important part of being prepared for a disaster is planning ahead with family, friends and
neighbors. Know who could walk to your home to help you if other kinds of transportation, like
public buses, are not working.
Talk about your disaster plans with your home healthcare provider.
Ask your local fire department or emergency management agency if they keep a list of people
with special medical needs. If they do, make sure the information they have for
you is up-to-date.
If you need electricity for your medical equipment, notify your local power company before
a disaster strikes. Some companies will first help those with special medical needs during
a disaster.
Keep a list (names and phone numbers) of people who can help:
Family or friends
Neighbors
Doctor/homecare provider
Pharmacy
Local hospital
Medical suppliers
PLANNING FOR PETS, SERVICE ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK
If you have pets, service animals or livestock, its important to include them in your emergency
planning. As you begin to think about disaster preparedness for your animals, keep in mind whats best
for you is usually whats best for your animals. If you evacuate your home, DO NOT leave animals
behind. However, because many public shelters will not allow any pets inside except for service
animals, you should plan ahead for different shelter options that will work for both you and your pets.
Below are some guidelines to help you prepare to meet the needs of your pets, service animals and
livestock during an emergency.
For pets and service animals, include the following items in your emergency supply kit:
Enough pet food and bottled water for
at least three days (one to two weeks
if possible)
Medicines
Veterinary records for each of your
pets (including a note that allows
rescuers to give your pet medical
treatment if needed) Registration and/or adoption papers
Emergency contacts
Cat litter/pan or bags
Manual (non-electric) can opener
Food dishes and water bowls
Spoon
Pet first aid kit
Cloth or thermal blanket
Collar and leash with tags
Treats and favorite toy(s)
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Talk to your veterinarian about evacuation and emergency care for your animals.
Develop a buddy system with trusted neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure
that someone is able to care for or move your pets if you are unable to do so.
For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot take pets. As you prepare
your emergency plan, make sure you find an emergency animal shelter in your area (kennels,
nearby farms, state and local fairgrounds, Pennsylvania State Animal
Response Team, etc.).
Know ahead of time which hotels will accept pets. Have a portable crate, collar and leash ready for your pets.
Keep all vaccinations (shots) up to date.
Make sure you have more than one way to identify your pets (like having a dog licenseand
microchip). Identification tags should be up-to-date and securely fastened to your pets collar.
If possible, also attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site.
You may also want to have your veterinarian give your pets microchips and/or tattoos as
a more permanent way to identify them.
Have a copy of medical records and a list of necessary medicines on hand. Make different
lists for each of your pets.
If you must leave animals behind, place a sign high on your house (like a window or door) that
will be easy for rescuers to see. Make sure the sign includes the type and number
of animals which remain. Leave plenty of food and water with feeding instructions for
rescuers. Keep the animals in the safest part of your home for the type of emergency you
are experiencing. For example, if flooding is likely do not keep your animals in the basement.
Livestock
Prepare an evacuation plan for livestock. Your plan should include a list of resources such as
trucks, trailers, pasture and/or feed which might be needed in an evacuation. The plan should
also list a person or persons (along with their phone numbers) who will be able to unlock
gates and doors and make it easy for emergency workers to reach your animals. Have halters and lead straps available.
Have a copy of medical records and a list of necessary medicines on hand. Make different
lists for each animal.
If you must leave animals behind, place a sign high on the building (like a window or door)
that will be easy for rescuers to see. Make sure the sign includes the type and number of the
animals which remain. Leave plenty of food and water with feeding instructions for rescuers.
More Information
For groups whose needs may not be met by traditional service providers, they can
reach out to the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team. For more information visit,
http://sart.psu.edu/.
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After an Emergency
After an emergency is over, there can still be danger. When you plan what you will do before and during
a disaster, be sure to include a plan for afterward as well. What you do next can save your
life and the lives of others:
Stay calm. Help family members or neighbors who may need help.
Check the area around you for safety. In the case of biological, chemical or radiological
threats, listen for instructions on local radio or television stations about safe places to go.
Some natural hazards, like severe storms or earthquakes, may continue to happen over
the next several days. Continue to be careful and follow safety instructions.
Stay tuned to your local emergency station. Information may change quickly after a major
disaster, so listen regularly for updates. If the power is still out, listen to a battery-powered
radio, television or car radio.
Wash small wounds with soap and water. To help prevent infection, use bandages and
replace them if they become dirty, damaged or soaked through with water.
Unless told by officials to evacuate your area, stay off the roads so that emergency vehicles
(like ambulances and fire trucks) can quickly get where they need to go. Avoid using the telephone (cellular or landlines) if a large number of homes in your area
have been affected by a disaster. Emergency responders need to have the telephone lines
available so they can quickly help people. During the immediate post-disaster time period,
only use the telephone to report life-threatening conditions and to call your out-of-town
emergency contact.
Turn off sensitive electrical equipment such as computers, DVD players and televisions to
prevent them from being damaged when electricity is restored. You should also turn off major
electrical and gas appliances (like stoves, refrigerators and washing machines) that were on
when the power went off to help prevent power surges when electricity comes back on.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep in cold. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information on food and water safety
after a disaster.
Do not use the stove to heat your home this can cause a fire or deadly gas leak.
Use extreme caution when driving. If traffic signals are out, treat each signal as a stop sign
come to a full stop at every intersection and look around you before driving through it.
DO NOT call 9-1-1 to ask about a power outage or to get other information about the
emergency. Even during or after a disaster, 9-1-1 should only be used for emergencies.
In case of a power outage, use battery-operated equipment to listen to news and radio
stations for updates.
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CHILDREN NEED ATTENTION AFTER AN EMERGENCY
Encourage children to talk about their fears. Let them ask questions and tell you how
theyre feeling. Listen to what they say, as a family when possible.
Reassure them with love.
Reassure them that they are safe and answer their questions honestly.
Tell them, in simple language, what is happening. Tell them that they are not responsible
for what happened. Limit the amount of news they hear on the radio or see on the TV.
Hold and hug them often.
When they go back to school, encourage them to also talk about their problems with teachers
or school counselors and to play games, ride bikes and do all of the other things they did
before the disaster.
Important Contact Information
In an emergency, call 9-1-1There are many things you can do to help your family and community be prepared for a public health
emergency. To learn more, call the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) at 1-877-PA-HEALTH,
1-877-724-3258, visit www.health.state.pa.us or contact your county/municipal health department
listed below:
Pennsylvania ReadyPA line: 1-888-9-ReadyPA,1-888-973-2397, www.readypa.org
Pennsylvania Department of Health: 1-877-PA-HEALTH, 1-877-724-3258,
www.health.state.pa.us
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: www.pema.state.pa.us
American Red Cross: 1-800-435-7669, www.redcross.org
Ready America: www.ready.gov
Pennsylvania Poison Control Centers: 1-800-222-1222
Emergency Management Agency (EMA)/Department of Health (DOH) Contact List
It is important to know who in your community will be able to help you during a disaster, particularly
if you have special needs. Your county emergency management agency can help you get ready for
emergencies before they happen.
Emergency Contact List (form to be filled out)
Create an Emergency Contact List. Ask several friends or family members who live outside your area to
act as an emergency contact for information about you and your family after a disaster. It is often easier
to place an out-of-state, long distance call from a disaster area than to call other people within the area.All of your family members should know to call the contact person to tell them where they
are and how they are. In turn, you should have your contact person get in touch with your other friends
and family. This will also help to limit the number of calls that are coming into and out of a disaster area
after the phones start working again.
Page 20 County contact information
Page 21-23 Special needs emergency plan template
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Adams County
717-334-8603
Allegheny County
412-473-2550Armstrong County
724-548-3431
Beaver County
724-775-1700
Bedford County
814-623-9528
Berks County
610-374-4800
Blair County
814-940-5900
Bradford County
570-265-5022
Bucks County
215-340-8700
Butler County
724-284-5211
Cambria County
814-472-2050
Cameron County
814-486-9352
Carbon County
570-325-3097
Centre County814-355-6745
Chester County
610-344-5000
Clarion County
814-226-6631
Clearfield County
814-765-5357
Clinton County
570-893-4090
ext 209
Columbia County
570-389-5720Crawford County
814-724-2552
Cumberland County
717-240-6400
Dauphin County
717-558-6800
Delaware County
610-565-8700
Elk County
814-776-5314
Erie County
814-451-7920
Fayette County
724-430-1277Forest County
814-755-3541
Franklin County
717-264-2813
Fulton County
717-485-3201
Greene County
724-627-5387
Huntingdon County
814-643-6613/6617
Indiana County
724-349-9300
Jefferson County
814-849-5052
Juniata County
717-436-7730
Lackawanna County
570-961-5511
Lancaster County
717-664-1200
Lawrence County
724-656-4927
ext 3701Lebanon County
717-272-7621
Lehigh County
610-782-4600
Luzerne County
570-820-4400
Lycoming County
570-433-9063
ext 4732
McKean County
814-887-5070
ext 13
Mercer County
724-662-6100
ext 2442
Mifflin County
717-248-9645/9607
Monroe County
570-992-4113
Montgomery
County
610-631-6530
Montour County
570-271-3047
Northampton
County610-746-3194
ext 226
Northumberland
County
570-988-4217
Perry County
717-582-2131
ext 2256
Philadelphia County
215-686-1450
Pike County
570-296-6714
Pittsburgh, City of
412-255-2633
Potter County
814-274-8900
Schuylkill County
570-622-3739
Snyder County
570-372-0535
Somerset County
814-445-1515/1516
Sullivan County570-946-5010
Susquehanna
County
570-278-4600
ext 250
Tioga County
570-724-9110
Union County
570-523-3201
Venango County
814-677-0325
Warren County814-563-2220
Washington County
724-228-6911
Wayne County
570-253-1622
Westmoreland
County
724-600-7301
Wyoming County
570-836-2828
York County
717-840-2990
Pennsylvanias publichealth network consists
of 60 State Health
Centers and 10 County
and Municipal Health
Departments. For public
health preparedness
information, call your
designated health
department listed below.
1-877-PA-HEALTH
(1-877-724-3258)
Allegheny County
Health Department
412-578-8026
Allentown Bureau of
Health
610-437-7760
Bethlehem Health
Bureau
610-865-7087
Bucks County
Department of Health
215-345-3318
Chester County HealthDepartment
610-344-6225
Erie County Department
of Health
814-451-6700
Montgomery County
Health Department
610-278-5117
Philadelphia Department
of Public Health
215-685-5670
Wilkes-Barre City HealthDepartment
570-208-4268
York City Bureau of
Health
717-849-2252/2299
EMA/DOH Contact List
It is important to know who in your community will be able to help you during a disaster, particularly
if you have special needs. Your county emergency management agency can help you get ready for
emergencies before they happen:
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EMERGENCY PLAN FOR PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES AND OLDER PENNSYLVANIANS
Make sure you and your family and friends have a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency
happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, what mobility and/
or medication issues will need to be dealt with and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy ofthis plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can nd it quickly during
a disaster.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
_____________________________________________________
First Contact Name
_____________________________________________________
Telephone Number
_____________________________________________________Email
_____________________________________________________
Relationship
_____________________________________________________
Second Contact Name
_____________________________________________________
Telephone Number
_____________________________________________________Email
_____________________________________________________
Relationship
_____________________________________________________
Special Medical Needs / Disability
_____________________________________________________
Special Medical Needs / Disability
_____________________________________________________
Special Medical Needs / Disability
_____________________________________________________
Special Medical Needs / Disability
_____________________________________________________
Name of Medication
_____________________________________________________
Reason for Taking
_____________________________________________________
Dose and How Often its Taken
_____________________________________________________
Name of Medication
_____________________________________________________
Reason for Taking
_____________________________________________________
Dose and How Often its Taken
_____________________________________________________
Name of Medication
_____________________________________________________
Reason for Taking
_____________________________________________________
Dose and How Often its Taken
_____________________________________________________
Name of Medication
_____________________________________________________
Reason for Taking
_____________________________________________________
Dose and How Often its Taken
MEDICATIONS
SPECIAL MEDICAL NEEDS OR DISABILITIES (Like diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, high blood pressure, etc.)
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_____________________________________________________
Type of Equipment
_____________________________________________________
Type of Equipment
_______________________________________
Doctors Name
_______________________________________
Other Doctor
_______________________________________
Pharmacist
_______________________________________
Medical Insurance
_______________________________________
Homeowners / Rental Insurance
_______________________________________
Veterinarian / Kennel (For Pets)
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
_____________________________________________________
Allergy
_____________________________________________________
What Happens
_____________________________________________________
Allergy
_____________________________________________________
What Happens
_____________________________________________________
Allergy
_____________________________________________________
What Happens
_____________________________________________________
Allergy
_____________________________________________________
What Happens
_____________________________________________________
Type of Equipment
_____________________________________________________
Type of Equipment
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT USED (This may include wheelchair, crutches, home dialysis, respirator, oxygen, etc.)
ALLERGIES
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: TELEPHONE NUMBER POLICY NUMBER (if needed)
DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES
EMERGENCY PLAN FOR PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES AND OLDER PENNSYLVANIANS
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Make sure you and your family and friends have a plan in case of an emergency. Fill out these cards
and give one to each of them to make sure they know who to call and what steps to take in case of
an emergency.
EMERGENCY PLAN
EMERGENCY PLAN
Telephone
Telephone
Telephone
Telephone
Telephone
Telephone
________________________________________________
First Contact Name
________________________________________________
Second Contact Name
________________________________________________
Doctor
________________________________________________
Special Medical Needs / Disabilities
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
First Contact Name
________________________________________________
Second Contact Name
________________________________________________
Doctor
________________________________________________
Special Medical Needs / Disabilities
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Medications
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Allergies
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Equipment Used
________________________________________________
Medications
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Allergies
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Equipment Used
IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION
IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION
DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES
DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES
FOLD
HERE
>
>
EMERGENCY PLAN FOR PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES AND OLDER PENNSYLVANIANS
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Plan ahead. Be prepared.
www.ReadyPA.org
888 9 3 239